The Age of Exploration SS6H6 The student will analyze the impact of European exploration and colonization on various world regions. a. Identify the causes of European exploration and colonization; include religion, natural resources, a market for goods, and the contributions of Prince Henry the Navigator.

The Age of Exploration  This was a time when European leaders saw the need to explore new areas in order to gain access to the spice trade in Asia, spread the religion of Christianity (at the Catholicism), a need for more resources, and more wealth.

The Age of Exploration cont…  The Crusades led to the creation of trade lines between Europe and Asia, but the price was high.  The Asian traders had to mark up items each time they changed hands.  Items changed hands many times across the vast distance between Europe and Asia.

The Age of Exploration cont…

 European rulers soon realized that if their country were the first to find a direct sea route to Asia (specifically the Spice Islands), then they could make a large profit.  This began a great race for power in Asia (also known as the East or East Indies).

Prince Henry the Navigator

Prince Henry the Navigator  Ruler of Portugal  He was among the first to realize the power that would come with control of the spice trade.  He founded the first school for navigation in Europe.  Under his rule, exploration of Africa was expanded in an attempt to find a sea route to Asia.  He never went on any expedition himself.

Exploration Under Prince Henry the Navigator

Results  Portugal would eventually round the southern tip of Africa and reach India.  Portugal would eventually begin establishing colonies and trade with Africa.  This trade would later lead to the creation of the slave trade in which African slaves were bought and sold by Europeans.

Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus  Wanted to find a route to the East Indies by sailing West until he reached the other side of the globe.  Had trouble finding someone to pay for the voyage until King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain agreed.  He knew that the world was round, but had no clue that two continents lay between Europe and Asia.  He accidentally discovered the “New World” (North and South America)  He died thinking that he had found a new part of Asia

Model of the Santa Maria

The First Voyage of Columbus

The Second Voyage of Columbus

The Third Voyage of Columbus

The Fourth Voyage of Columbus

Results  Spain now had claim to lands before unknown to people in Europe.  Spain continued voyages into the New World.  They sought gold and a passage to the East.  Would result in battles between the native people of the Americas and later colonies in the New World

Henry Hudson 1570’s-1611

Henry Hudson  Hired by England to find the Northwest Passage to Asia.  He made several failed attempts to find a passage to Asia through the Northwest.  Hired by the Dutch East India Company to find an Easterly passage to Asia.  On these voyages, Hudson mapped out what is now the Hudson River and Hudson Bay area between The U.S.A. and Canada.

Voyages of Henry Hudson

Results  England and France would eventually lay claim to parts of Canada, now that it had been further explored.  Hudson’s explorations led to an opening of the fur trade in North America.  Hudson’s expeditions led to a better understanding of the shape of North America.